What Can Damage Hardwood Floors?

With the proper care and maintenance, a hardwood floor can last for decades. Their resistance and toughness are some of the qualities that keep them in good shape through the years. However, in case of poor maintenance or damages, the lifespan of hardwood flooring can be cut short. You are unaware of some actions that contribute to the damaging of hardwood floorings, and in most cases, the damage would have been done before you realize what is happening.

These are some of the ways in which hardwood floors can be damaged.

• Direct Sunlight

Too much sunlight on hardwood floors can mess with the floors’ finishes and result in discoloration of the exposed part of the floor. Additionally, direct heat from the sun can cause the floor to dry out and shrink. Always try to close window blinds or drapes when it is sunny to protect your floor.

• Wrong Footwear

When you install hardwood flooring in the home, one conscious effort you want to make is to be aware of the kind of footwear you and other occupants wear. High heels and footwears with spikes can scratch the floor and leave marks on it. Always remove footwear that can damage the floor before entering the house, and do not use them while you are still in the house.

• Liquid

It is very easy for liquid to seep into the pores of the hardwood floor and cause it to expand or contract. This expansion and contraction results in deformities in the wood and can also give room for mold growth in the hardwood floor. It is best if you always try to clean up spills immediately after they occur.

• Dragging furniture on the floor

One easy way to quickly damage a hardwood floor is by sliding or dragging the furniture in the home across the floor. Not only will this leave scratch marks on the floor, but it will also begin to wear out the floor. Whenever you need to move furniture around the house, always lift them instead of dragging them.

• Wrong Cleaning Products and Tools

While your intentions may be good, but with the wrong cleaning products and tools, you are likely doing more damage than good to your hardwood floor. When buying cleaning products for hardwood floors, ensure you buy the right products and follow the products’ instructions on using them.

In most cases, damages to hardwood floors don’t occur at once; significant damage is usually a result of minor damages that have been ignored over time. While some damages can be prevented, others can only be corrected after they have occurred, and the correction should be done as soon as possible.